Whale Safari in Greenland

See the whales along Greenland’s coasts

Whales close to the coasts
Many different species of whale can be seen along Greenland’s coasts. And you are left in no doubt when there is a whale in the vicinity, as when it comes up to the surface to breathe, it blasts its breath through the water and air at a speed of several hundred kilometres per hour. This is called the whale’s spout and consists of small droplets of water that crystallise into clear funnel-shaped columns. The whales can sometimes swim very close to land when eating small shoals of fish, plankton, etc.

With your heart in your mouth on a whale safari
The whales are best seen from a boat, where you can get very close to the enormous marine mammals in their natural element. Your heart will be in your mouth as a 70-tonne (154,000 lb) fin whale swims underneath the boat. Time will seem to stand still as the thought crosses your mind that this gigantic marine mammal might suddenly flick its tail. Of course it does not happen because fortunately the whales are used to being observed!

Tour operators in Greenland
A number of European tour operators organise whale safaris. In towns such as Nuuk, Qeqertarsuaq and Aasiaat it is possible to get up close to these fascinating animals. However, you do not necessarily need to specifically look for the whales, as a sailing trip along Greenland’s coasts is normally a whale safari in itself. Keep your eyes peeled and have your binoculars and whale handbook at the ready. The different species can be determined by the fin, the spout and the tail.

Humpback whales, minke whales and fin whales, in particular, can be seen close to the towns and in the fjords in the west of Greenland, whilst beluga whales and narwhals are more common in North and East Greenland.